A Customs and Border Protection director has been charged with defrauding FEMA and lying to federal agents.
Serina Baker-Hill, the Center for Excellence and Expertise over Automotive and Aerospace Engineering director, reportedly claimed her home was unlivable following the Detroit floods in August 2023.
According to an affidavit, the fraud was discovered by FBI agents who were investigating her husband for narcotics trafficking.
According to authorities, Baker-Hill applied for assistance for flood damage and told a FEMA official who was inspecting her basement that she could not safely live in her home while repairs were being made.
FEMA approved the request to assist with home repairs and for two months of rent assistance for temporary housing. She reportedly received $3,125 for home repairs and $3,190 for rent assistance
According to court documents, the FBI’s investigation into her husband allowed the agency to intercept wire and/or electronic communications.
Authorities said Baker-Hill’s bank records showed that none of the FEMA money was used for housing or utility expenses and that surveillance cameras showed that she and her husband continued to live in the home.
Additionally, the affidavit includes a transcript of a phone call between Baker-Hill and her husband, where they reportedly discussed forging a document from an HVAC inspector in an effort to obtain more money from FEMA.
According to Baker-Hill’s bank records, none of the FEMA money was used for rental, hotel, or utility expenses. Video surveillance at the home showed that Baker-Hill and her husband continued to live in the home after receiving the rental assistance funds from FEMA. Additionally, records for the home do not show a significant drop in utilities consistent with the property being unoccupied during this time.
Baker-Hill was later interviewed by FBI and CBP-OPR agents and informed them that she has never committed illegal activity of any kind and had never defrauded the U.S. government.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Trial cannot be held on felony charges in a complaint. When the investigation is completed, a determination will be made whether to seek a felony indictment.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the FBI’s Detroit Border Corruption Task Force and CBP-OPR. Investigative assistance was also provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown.
